Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning activities extend the classroom into the workplace--putting the theory, knowledge, and skills gained in class into practice. These connections result in better students and better employees. Las Positas College’s Work-Based Learning Initiative is dedicated to helping create these connections. It is a collaboration with local business and industry to develop career and work experience opportunities, internships and mentoring programs, and community work and study placements directly related to a vocational field of training. This partnership benefits both employers and students, ensuring a talent pipeline of skilled workers from our College to the workplace and reinforcing and expanding students’ classroom learning.

Faculty and employers interested in participating in work-based learning activities should email: WBL@laspositascollege.edu. Students interested should visit Las Positas College Internship & Job Board.

Work-Based Learning Benefits to Employers

• Obtain an expanded pool of qualified applicants
• Recruit and screen potential employees
• Evaluate potential employees in work settings, prior to hiring
• Develop a quick, reliable source of skilled labor
• Improve the quality of life and work skills in the community
• Reduce turnover of entry-level employees
• Influence curriculum development to meet industry requirements

Work-Based Learning Benefits to Students

• Connect classroom learning to the workplace
• Earn income and gain work experience while attending college
• Get access to good jobs
• Develop contacts to broaden employment options
• Build self-confidence and experience success at college and work
• Gain individualized support for educational and professional needs and goals

Internships

Internships are structured career preparation activities designed to enrich and expand classroom learning. Students are placed at a workplace for a defined period of time to participate in and observe work first-hand within a given industry. Las Positas College promotes paid internship programs for its students. Students may also be eligible to receive college credit for their internship service.

To find a local internship and upload your resume, visit Las Positas College Internship & Job Board.

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing is an unpaid experience where a student follows a worker for a short period of time to learn about a particular occupation or industry. This activity helps students explore the world of work and the range of opportunities found within an occupational area.

Field Trips

A field trip is an off-campus educational and instructional experience. Generally hosted by an employer, a field trip offers students the opportunity to observe, ask questions, and learn from the experience of being on a worksite.

Guest Lecturers

Guest lecturers are a valuable asset to a student's education. Las Positas College welcomes them to our campus to showcase their industry and/or worksite. This is a great opportunity for students to learn about skills needed for occupations, discover more about specific professions, and ask questions of the industry professional.

Other Activities

Career-related student competitions, work experience, service learning, and faculty externships.

Work Experience Courses

In Work Experience Courses, students earn college credit while working in supervised positions. Students can choose from two courses: WRKX 94 Occupational Work Experience/Internship, for students who work in positions related to their major field of study, and WRKX 95, General Work Experience, for students with any type of employment or steady volunteer work.